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A solid climb from the Ellen Gallegos picnic area to the Sandia Crest Trail (#130).


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Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.5

KM

74%

Runnable

9,211' 2,807 m

High

6,472' 1,973 m

Low

2,755' 840 m

Up

16' 5 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Upper portions of the trail will be snow covered in the winter. This trail can be closed in the summer due to fire danger.

Visit the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands website for current alerts, closures, and warnings.

Runner Notes

There are no water points on this trail and it is hot in the summer. Carry water.

Description

From the I-40 head north on Tramway for about 6.2 miles to Simms Park Rd (just north of Academy Rd NE on the right). Follow Simms Park Rd until it dead ends. There are signs for Elena Gallegos Trailhead/ Picnic Area. There is a parking fee of $1 on weekdays, $2 on weekends.

This run follows narrow singletrack up a strenuous climb through three temperate regions. Mileage provided is one way. This is a great run to pair with the South Sandia Crest Trail (#130) to the Tram for an easy ride down.

Flora & Fauna

This trail passes through three distinct climate zones. The lower trail is consistent with the Albuquerque highlands characterized by sparse high desert scrub forest with juniper and piñon pines as well as cholla cactus and prickly pear. The middle portion of the trail is shaded by an alpine forest of ponderosa pines and spruces. The upper trail continues to display the evergreens in greater density as well as groves of quaking aspen. Wild flowers are abundant in the later spring and early summer.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jason Fincher

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 31 votes

#99

Overall
  4.6 from 31 votes
5 Star
65%
4 Star
35%
3 Star
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Trail Rankings

#2

in New Mexico

#99

Overall
43 Views Last Month
16,301 Since May 12, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

"The Meadow" portion of the Pino Trail. Very pretty!
Aug 10, 2021 near Sandia…, NM
The Pino Trail offers great overlooks of Albuquerque.
Jun 18, 2017 near Sandia…, NM

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 49 days ago
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